I would love to say that I get it right the first time with all of my gardening projects. (Wouldn’t that be great?) But as life would have it, that just isn’t the case.  My husband was laughing at me just the other day, due to his having to move a plant from one location to another.  He’d prefer that I had a more clear vision, one which didn’t involve changing my mind (or the locations of plants!).  I’m still learning, and thankfully, my husband is still digging for me.

I probably have more than a few examples of our learning as we go along, but I’ll just focus on my Hydrangea Selma today.  I figured it was about time for an update.  Back in June, I posted about my Hydrangea Selma, and how it wasn’t doing well.  https://mominthegarden.wordpress.com/2012/06/17/nursing-hydrangea-selma-back-to-health/  I  bought this plant two years ago, and there were lovely pink and white blooms on burgundy leaves.  It was gorgeous.  As it turns out, the soil I planted it in was quite wet with not enough drainage or air, or peat.   My husband dug it up for me, and we added a 60/40 mix of compost/peat to the soil.  I could not believe the change in the plant!  It was immediately happier, filling out over the past few months.  It continued to improve despite the constant attack by slugs this summer.  Nothing deterred those guys.  Every night I’d be out in the garden picking them off.  I won’t mention what I did with them. I’d prefer for you to think of me as a non-violent gardener. 🙂  So here are some pictures of Selma now. I think the foliage is lovely.  I don’t have blooms yet, but I’m really hoping that next season we’ll finally get to enjoy some blooms.

So I’ve learned that all is not necessarily lost if your plant isn’t doing well. It’s worth investigating to find a solution!

Dana

P.S.  On a topic unrelated to Selma, I want to show you some pictures of my front gate garden.   The Asters given to me by my friend Susan are a pretty  “wow” factor!  I love seeing them every time I drive through our gates.  I think the pink climbing roses are a nice backdrop, as I am partial to pink!

June 2012 Hydrangea Selma in a bad way.

October 2012 Hydrangea Selma filling out.

October 2012 Hydrangea Selma.

A close up of Hydrangea Selma 2012.

A healthy Hydrangea Selma in 2010.

A healthy Hydrangea Selma in 2010.

Asters at the front gate.

Asters.

My Asters earlier in the season, after some rain.

The front gate at sunset.